Project Management Support – Specialist (Special Assistant and Team Coordinator)

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 140,639 USD and 184,155 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The Project Management Support – Specialist [Special Assistant and Team Coordinator] is part of the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) under the New York Service Cluster (NYSC) SDC through its Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) is supporting project “Climate Action Team” CAT signed with the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOGS)

The 2019 Climate Action Summit mobilized significant public momentum and new commitments from Member States, private sector and subnational governments to turn the page on the climate change crisis. Such commitments identified new catalytic solutions and coalitions necessary to bend the emissions curve before 2030 – from the transformation of the world’s energy, transport, urban and natural ecosystems to the revamping of the world’s financial systems.

After the Summit, climate change remains at the top of the Secretary-General's priorities and one of the core priorities of the Decade of Action to Deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. In the context of the Decade, 2020 and 2021 are “make or break” years for climate action and the transformations needed for the world to truly adopt a sustainable, low emission development trajectory and to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

It is vital that we build upon the momentum from the 2019 Climate Action Summit to raise ambition levels on Nationally Determined Contributions, elevate our commitment to biodiversity, secure funding for climate adaptation and resilience and accelerate the just transitions we need from fossil fuel dependent energy and transport systems to ones powered by renewable energy.

In order to build on the momentum and realize the commitments secured at the Summit, the Secretary-General is building a new Climate Action Team. This Team will focus on the following:

• Raising ambition levels and concrete commitments by the major emitters, particularly the G20;
• Mainstreaming climate change (portfolio shifts to low emission investments, embedding climate risk factors in investment decision-making and carbon pricing) within financial markets and firms;
• Developing and implementing a targeted strategy for fossil fuel and coal phase-out;
• Strengthening and delivering the Climate Action Summit commitments and coalitions and incubating new commitments and coalitions related to energy transition, transportation, urban and local climate action, nature based solutions and climate resilience;
• Enhancing UN system support to countries to deliver on the climate and environment-related Sustainable Development Goals – from water scarcity to industrial innovation and sustainable urbanization;
• Provision of up-to-date analytics and policy guidance for the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, UN leadership and Member States.
• Designing and executing a cross-UN global communications campaign and movement focused on SG and UN leadership on climate action at all levels, and messaging and storytelling to build political will, elevate local solutions and mobilize individual actions.

In order to deliver the level of ambition needed, the new team will be led by an Assistant Secretary-General, supported by a Team Lead on Climate Action and a Team Lead on Climate Ambition.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Team Lead Climate Action, the incumbent will provide substantive support to ensure results on climate, energy and environment-related partnerships and commitments across the Climate Team and throughout EOSG Units.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the Team Lead, Climate Action, the responsibilities of the Project Management Support – Specialist [Special Assistant and Team Coordinator] include:

Provide Substantive Support to the ASG:

• Assists with the compilation of documents to support the daily schedule of the ASG, including managing his engagements at events, tasking KM, BN as appropriate, preparing a daily pack of issues that need ASG attention and review.
• Act as first line ‘information filter’, managing information flow to and from the ASG and Directors, including synthesizing and summarizing information for the ASG and Directors to facilitate decision making;
• Advise the ASG on his priorities, strategically align his time with those, and revisit them regularly to assess progress. This will include screening and prioritizing all incoming correspondence and phone calls; drafting correspondence for the ASG’s signature and/or for replying on his behalf;
• Coordinate research, substantive reviews and critical analysis, report inputs, memos, presentations and talking points etc.
• Support the ASG and Director in daily administrative matters including the planning and organization of missions (travel and hotel bookings, visa applications, processing expense claims and follow-up actions) and the management of profile in oneUNOPS;

Lead Internal Communications to Support the ASG in Information Dissemination

• Review products for quality control on being sent from the Team, and ensures smooth correspondence flow;
• Liaise and coordinate closely with counterparts in Front Offices and Climate Directorates/Teams across the UN system.
• Assist in knowledge management of team documentation and SharePoint systems
• Assist in managing and collaborating with Team members working on partnerships and UN system engagement, constituent database, including adding and revising contacts and updating fundraising notes.
• Coordinate the SMT meetings: lead on the scheduling, agenda setting, minutes writing and follow up actions;
• Lead internal communications in order to disseminate information and messages on behalf of the ASG and Directors;
• Facilitate the flow of communication between teams, colleagues and also external partners;
• Maintain an up to date plan/calendar of official missions, absences, key events, trainings and meetings for the entire Secretariat;
• Establish and maintain effective records management, structured document retrieval and workflow management system;
• Attend various internal meetings organised by teams/colleagues. Communicate with managers, team leads, personnel and partners to ensure initiatives are on track and co-ordinates realignment if necessary.

Manage Strategic Initiatives & Internal Coordination

• In collaboration with the Chief of Staff, contribute to aligning business processes and make suggestions for rationalization of workflows where needed;
• Anticipate, analyse and interpret internal and external opinion, attitudes and issues that might impact the operations and plans of the Climate Action Team;
• Organize and manage workshops and retreats, developing objectives and agendas, coordinating with partners on substantive areas and ensuring streamlining of plans on behalf of the ASG and Directors;
• Provide backup assistance to other administrative staff, as necessary;
• Performs other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education - Advanced university degree (Master's degree), preferably in International Relations or Diplomacy, International Environment, Climate or related areas is required. - Two (2) additional years of relevant work experience, in combination with a relevant first-level university (bachelor’s degree or equivalent), may substitute for the requirement of a master’s degree

B. Experience - At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience to the position is required; - Demonstrated experience working with UN system and other stakeholders particularly governments, civil society required; - Front Office / Executive Office experience desirable, particularly advising and supporting senior principals;

C. Language - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Temporary Staff Appointment Contract level: P-3 Contract duration: Until 31 March 2022

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.